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| Force Protection
Industries, Inc. received a third order from the Marine Corps
Systems Command, worth $480 million for the delivery of 1,000
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected
(MRAP) vehicles. This is the largest order received by Force
Protection to date, representing about 25% of the entire anticipated
MRAP buy. According to the Force Dynamics JV , 50% of the contract
($244.50 million) are shared with General Dynamics. Manufacturing
will be performed in Anniston, Alabama; Charlotte, Michigan;
Ladson, South Carolina; Lima, Ohio; Kings Point, North Carolina;
and Sealy, Texas. To date, Force protection obtained the lion's
share of the MRAP program, thanks to the maturity and proven
combat survivability of the Cougar
armored vehicle.
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Despite its large volume, this order is still considered as
'Low Rate Initial Production' (LRIP). 300 of the vehicles will
be 4x4 (Category I) and the remaining 700 Category II (6x6 vehicles).
Deliveries are expected to complete by May 2008. Marine Corps
Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
The Marine Corps Systems Command is the contracting authority
for the MRAP program.
To increase production capacity in anticipation for the growing
sales, Force Protection ivested in expansion of its production
facilities, and established a joint
venture with General Dynamics Land Systems. Further expansions
are also underway at its chassis supplier, Spartan
Systems.
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